Thursday, April 21 2005 17:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Rina Dhaka's name has always been synonymous with sexy styling; this tsarina of stretch seems to have gone sophisticated with this collection. Drawing her inspiration from the 40s, 50s and 60s, it had a feel of Hollywood Glam. You can just imagine a modern day Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner or Audrey Hepburn in any of her designs presented at Lakme India Fashion week, on day one (Apr 20, 2005).

There was rich feel to her colours whether it was her choice of colours (black was the predominated colour in her collection) or fabrics, (velvet, chamuese satin and silk). Purples kicked off the show. Slip dresses worn with a stole, layered skirts, crochet tops all had a diva like appeal. An Indian flavour was added with the use of jaamevar embroidery.

In fact one embellishment that was repeated was the jammevar paisley. From purples she moved to maroons. Denim were give a glam touch, as she added embroidered borders and she added her jaamevar paisley on the leg of her jeans, there was even a pair of silver touch. Everything had a touch of shine.

Of course included in the collection were stretch churi pants- a signature style from Rina. She gave the choli a Western twist by teaming it up is knee length skirts. Skirts seemed to be her current favourite silhouette. There were mini skirts, flared knee length skirts. Of course everything a feel of sensuality, dresses had peek- a- boo backs, skirts had long slits. There was some element of skin show- but it was never over the top.

Even her use of embellishment was done very cleverly, using in underskirts or scattering white mall beads on black tops. Stretch was still apparent whether it was on her churi pants or mesh t-shirts but was done in a mature manner. Her black on black tonal sari, seem to be real proof that Rina is going sophisticated. Wrap dresses looked sexy yet mature and Rina even had her own answer to the traditional trouser suit.

She teamed a grey back bandgala with crystal embroidery with trousers. Most of the trousers that Rina showed were on the shorter side and high waisted. To give her collection naughty touch she had the models wear stiletto mules with black ankle length socks draped over them. This was a collection that was about being sexy yet sophisticated.